History of 1501 Street

1849

This map 1849 map by Dripps shows the 1500 Unity Street block with a school and several small factories.

1849

1862

This map is from the "Philadelphia Atlas" created by Samuel L. Smedley in 1862. Following the success of the Atlas, he was elected as Chief Engineer and Surveyor of Philadelphia. The segment of the map shows the 1500 Unity Street block before the warehouse and elevated railroad was built. No buildings or factories are shown on the block.

1862

1910

A 1910 map showing the 1500 Unity Street block before the construction of the building. The Philadelphia & Reading (P&R) Railroad is shown running through the block, over Griscom St., and ending at a Frankford Ave. station. Notice the freight depot, and residential development on the Unity St. side. The map was drawn by G. W. Bromley.

1910

1924

In 1924, Frankford Grocery Co. contracted William Elmer Seibert Dyer to build the original section of the warehouse. Since their founding in 1888, the Frankford Grocery Co. became one of the largest co-op grocery distributors in the United States. At their height, they supplied about 2000 independent grocery stores under the name "Unity-Frankford."

1924

1929

This 1929 map by Bromley shows the original Frankford Grocery Co. building with the freight train stop.

1929

1934

Frankford Grocery Co. awarded Philadelphia-based Barclay, White & Co. the contract to expand the building across the entire block. The second floor train depot was expanded. 1501 Unity St. became a 300,000 sq. ft. structure. William Macy Stanton was the architect, and Howard S. Pennell was the engineer.

1934

1952

1952 aerial shot by Charles Higgins. Note the train over Penn Street. The Griscom St. extension was severed. Frankford Grocery Co. was the final stop.

1952

1961

A June 19, 1961 Frankford Grocery Co. ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer for their house brand "Unity" products.

1961

1962

A 1962 map published by the Works Progress Administration, shows the entire warehouse at 1501 Unity St., which stands until today.

1962

1964

Cotter & Co. acquired 1501 Unity St.

1964

1973

According to locals, children set the train car loose from Sears up the tracks. It ran right through the building and broke the wall on Griscom St.